Welcome to Kindergarten
Empowering young minds to learn, grow, and lead
Accepting enrollments starting Nov. 21 for the Hopkins Class of 2038
2025-26 kindergarten school year
We are excited to welcome you and your upcoming kindergartner to Hopkins!
Welcome to kindergarten in Hopkins!
Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. In Hopkins, we understand the foundation of that choice starts with strong, meaningful relationships. We take the time to get to know you, your family, and your child. Our students are at the heart of everything we do.
When students feel seen, heard, and valued, they are empowered to do their best—that’s why love is one of our core values.
We’re excited to begin this relationship with your family before kindergarten starts, so that your child enters school feeling confident and ready to learn. Our program focuses on academic and social-emotional growth, with caring teachers who will help your child explore their passions, discover their talents, and develop their strengths as they grow within Hopkins.
We look forward to meeting you at our kindergarten events and can’t wait to welcome your student next fall!
Sincerely,
Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed Hopkins Public Schools Superintendent
About Dr. Mhiripiri-Reed
Bachelor’s degree in psychology and graduate of the teacher preparation program, Yale University.
Master’s degree in education policy and administration, K-12 licensure, University of Minnesota.
Doctorate in education leadership, Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Meet Your Elementary School Principal
Our Principals
Behind every great school is an exceptional leader. In Hopkins, our principals are dedicated to placing students at the center of everything they do and are committed to creating optimal learning environments. We invest in their leadership, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to serve our students, staff, and families at the highest level.
Melissa Ness
Principal, Eisenhower
“I choose Hopkins because Hopkins values each scholar as an individual who brings strengths and brilliance.”
Dr. George Nolan
Principal, Gatewood
“I choose Hopkins because every student who comes through our doors is valued and loved!”
Dr. Jim Hebeisen
Principal, L.H. Tanglen
“I choose Hopkins because it is a caring community with relationships as a foundation for great learning.”
Eduardo Navidad
Principal, Alice Smith
“I choose Hopkins because Hopkins’ commitment to Vision 2031 embodies the core values in our daily work.”
Jeff Radel
Principal, Glen Lake
“I choose Hopkins because we believe that every child deserves a brilliant future!”
Natalie Sawatzky
Principal, Meadowbrook
“I choose Hopkins because our district’s values closely align to my personal values. I lead with love, humility, and a quest for equity.”
Demond Johnson
Associate Principal, VirtualEDU
“I choose Hopkins because we inspire and educate our students to develop their unique potential.”
Join us for these important events during your child’s year before kindergarten
November
21,
2024 — Kindergarten Information Night
This fun and interactive event is for families and their incoming kindergartners. Learn about Hopkins’ exciting vision, meet your child’s principal, and explore the many options and choices available to you.
Kindergarten Information Night at Hopkins High School: Register Online: bit.ly/3BPGty3 Nov. 21, 2024, 5:30-7 p.m.
December
3,
2024 — Kindergarten Language Immersion Information Session
Families interested in our Spanish or Chinese immersion programs are invited to an informational event at Eisenhower Elementary focused on answering all of your immersion questions.
Kindergarten Language Immersion Information Session: Register Online: bit.ly/4fysivV Dec. 3, 2024, 6 p.m.
Enrollment Help Sessions
The Hopkins enrollment team is always available to answer your questions during our 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. business hours. To provide even more options for families, we’ve designated two evenings where the enrollment office will be open until 6:30 p.m. to answer questions regarding kindergarten enrollment, upcoming deadlines, and more.
In-Person & Virtual Help Sessions: Dec. 12, 2024 and Jan. 9, 2025, 4-6:30 p.m.
Register Online: HopkinsSchools.org/enroll
January 15, 2025 — Important Application Deadline
The application deadline for open enrollment, Spanish and Chinese immersion, in-district transfer, and VirtualEDU is Jan. 15, 2025. Applications received after Jan. 15 will be added to a waitlist. Learn more at HopkinsSchools.org/enroll.
February 2025 — Kindergarten Roundup
Join us in person at your child’s school for Kindergarten Roundup events designed to get you and your child ready for kindergarten. Find your school’s event at HopkinsSchools.org/kinder or watch for a mailed postcard invite in January.
Spring/Summer 2025 — Year-Before-Kindergarten Events
Please check our website for upcoming year-before-kindergarten event dates — including, Kindergarten for Families in May and Kindergarten Playground Nights in August. Learn more at HopkinsSchools.org/kinder.
Early Childhood Screening
Screenings are required before the start of kindergarten and recommended between the ages of 3-4. Schedule a screening appointment at HopkinsSchools.org/screen.
Kindergarten Early Entrance
An informational meeting will take place in Spring 2025 for children who will turn 5 years old after Sept. 1. To register, call 952-988-5000 or email Sonya.Everhart@HopkinsSchools.org.
For more information on all of our year-before-kindergarten events, and to register online, scan the QR code.
Personalized Learning
Learning tailored to meet individual needs
At Hopkins, we believe in the brilliance of every student. Personalized learning is available to all students, offering flexible pathways to academic success while helping each individual reach their full potential. We prioritize your child’s voice in an inclusive learning environment that values relationships, community, and celebrates each student’s unique heritage.
Personalized Learning Benefits
• Students experience deeper engagement in their learning.
• Students develop essential skills in agency and self-advocacy.
• Educators tailor instruction to each student’s strengths, needs, and interests.
Hopkins Elementary School Offerings
• Schoolwide talent development and inquiry-based learning are available to all students.
• Spanish language instruction and immersion options begin in kindergarten.
• A staff of specialists is at every school including social workers, counselors, special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and restorative practice specialists.
• Orchestra and band begin in elementary school.
Project Based Learning
Amplifying student voice and agency
Project Based Learning (PBL) is a dynamic, studentcentered approach where students actively explore real-world challenges and problems. This method goes beyond academic content, emphasizing personal relevance, critical thinking, and practical application. PBL aligns with our commitment to provide an education that is not just about memorizing facts but about preparing students for the future they will create. When students work on projects that resonate with their personal interests, we empower them to become active, engaged citizens who are capable of solving complex problems. Through PBL, students take ownership of their learning by investigating issues that matter to them and their communities, making learning more meaningful.
Learn more about Project Based Learning by scanning the QR code
• Social-emotional learning and self-regulation strategies create environments where students can thrive. Flexible classrooms give students agency over the physical space they need to support their learning.
• Before- and after-school care is offered through our Kids & Company program: HopkinsSchools.org/kids.
• 1:1 iPad program allows all students access to a powerful learning device.
Learn more about our curriculum at hopkinsschools.org/academics/elementary
Elementary Schools at a Glance
Alice Smith Elementary
801 Minnetonka Mills Road, Hopkins, MN 55343
A neighborhood school invested in student success
Alice Smith is a neighborhood school with a strong community, where all families are valued. Our school offers weekly exploration, inquiry-based learning, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) specialist classes, integrated Spanish language learning, and a Spanish immersion option. Through the schoolwide AVID program, Alice Smith prepares all learners for long-term academic success by encouraging college and career readiness from an early age.
Eisenhower Elementary
1001 MN-7, Hopkins, MN 55305
Developing global citizens who will make the world better Eisenhower Elementary is home to Eisenhower Community School, XinXing Chinese immersion, and Juntos Spanish immersion. We offer students a unique opportunity to develop language and cultural proficiency in all our learning pathway programs. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) candidate school*, Eisenhower Elementary develops inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
Gatewood Elementary
14900 Gatewood Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55345
Sparking curiosity through nature
Gatewood Elementary seamlessly connects the classroom to nature. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) candidate school* with an outdoor learning model, our curriculum fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and a deep connection to the environment. Through hands-on experiences and a focus on environmental stewardship, we equip students with the skills and values to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
Glen Lake Elementary
4801 Woodridge Road, Minnetonka, MN 55345
Learning comes alive with Glen Lake Go!
At Glen Lake, students are empowered to learn through hands-on experiences rather than relying solely on lectures or textbooks. Through the Glen Lake Go! program, students engage in multiple immersive experiences and field trips each year, bringing learning to life. These real-world interactions make learning an exciting, unforgettable adventure!
L.H. Tanglen Elementary
10901 Hillside Lane W, Minnetonka, MN 55305
Bright futures begin with strong character
At Tanglen Elementary, we see our students as curious and capable individuals, eager to explore the world. By developing character strengths that support social, emotional, and academic success, we equip our students with a toolkit of skills essential for thriving throughout life. Each month, our school community focuses on practicing and celebrating one of these key traits, ensuring that students develop the habits of highly successful people.
Meadowbrook Elementary
5430 Glenwood Avenue, Golden Valley, MN 55422
Building skills and confidence for a changing world
Meadowbrook’s Project Based Learning approach provides dynamic, student-centered experiences tailored to each child’s unique needs. Through hands-on projects that tackle real-world challenges, students explore issues that matter to them and their communities, empowering them to take ownership of their learning while building confidence and developing critical thinking skills. Meadowbrook’s dedication to individualized learning equips students to thrive in an ever-changing world.
“We open enrolled our daughter into Hopkins School District and are very happy with our choice. She has a wonderful teacher, friends in her classroom, and her days are filled with enriching activities.”
- Hopkins Parent
VirtualEDU Online and Blended Learning
Flexible pathways for K-12 scholars to thrive
VirtualEDU is the first and only fully accredited K-12 public online school in the state of Minnesota to offer blended learning — a combination of in-person and online learning. Our blended learning model offers enhanced social interaction and in-person school community along with the flexibility that fully online learning provides.
Whether students choose the fully online or blended model, VirtualEDU’s smaller class sizes, multiage classes, and strong teacher-student relationships allow for a deeply personalized learning approach that meets students where they are and guides them to reach their goals.
Learn more about Hopkins VirtualEDU at HopkinsSchools.org/virtual
and overall academic success.
81% of VirtualEDU Elementary Students report positive feelings towards school
88% of VirtualEDU Elementary Students report having a strong sense of belonging
100% of VirtualEDU Elementary Students report positive relationships with their teachers
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Nurturing learners who are curious, confident, and empathetic
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program builds on the belief that children are naturally curious and learn deeply when they are engaged in relevant topics. Children ask questions that guide their desire for knowledge, lead to discovery, and make education an adventure!
IB provides a rigorous curriculum framework that encourages students to think critically and solve problems. Eisenhower and Gatewood are both IB candidate schools. In each of our elementary schools, your child will discover relevant and engaging subjects, instructors that encourage curiosity and exploration, and inquiry-based learning.
Why Families Choose IB
The IB assessment gives you and your child a richer picture of how they are doing in school, understands their strengths, and provides pathways for them to elevate their learning.
Other benefits include:
• Rigorous learning objectives
• A student-centered approach to teaching
• International perspectives
Chinese and Spanish Language Immersion
Language immersion pathways
Hopkins’ immersion programs holistically infuse cultural awareness, empathy, and respect for other perspectives and cultures into the curriculum for our global scholars.
Chinese immersion
XinXing is Hopkins Public Schools’ all-day Chinese immersion program located at Eisenhower Elementary School. Chinese immersion scholars reach an advanced level of proficiency by the end of grade 12 and will develop biliteracy in Chinese and English.
Our teachers are native Chinese speakers who create a positive and authentic immersion experience for your child. In kindergarten through grade 2, students receive language arts/reading, math, science, social studies, and health instruction in Mandarin Chinese. In all grade levels, music, art, and physical education are delivered in English, with Chinese cultural components infused throughout these classes.
Chinese immersion courses continue at Hopkins West Middle School and Hopkins High School. Students who complete the full Chinese immersion track will be prepared for advanced coursework in Chinese at the college level and can earn up to 16 college credits by the time they graduate high school.
Immersion Student Statistics
500+ Elementary Immersion Students currently enrolled in elementary immersion programs
94% of Elementary XinXing Students recieved top scores in communicating and understanding grade-level topics in Chinese on recent report cards
86% of Elementary Juntos Students received top scores in communicating and understanding grade-level topics in Spanish on recent report cards
GLOBAL LEARNING
Spanish immersion
The Juntos Spanish immersion program encourages students to be globally minded, with the goal of developing empathy, confidence, curiosity, and proficiency in Spanish during their elementary years.
In kindergarten, 90% of instruction is in Spanish and 10% is in English. Students learn to read and write in Spanish first, and English literacy instruction is increased gradually as they progress through the program.
Juntos scholars can continue their Spanish immersion journey at Hopkins North Middle School and Hopkins High School, where they can earn up to 16 college credits for advanced Spanish coursework, and may earn Minnesota Bilingual and Multilingual Seals. Students who speak Spanish are strongly encouraged to apply.
Interested in language immersion?
Join us for an information session at Eisenhower Elementary on Dec. 3 to learn more!
Learn more about our language immersion programs at HopkinsSchools.org/immersion
Se les anima a los estudiantes que hablan español a aplicar.
Cultivating the traits and skills your 2038 graduate will need through Vision 2031
When your kindergartner graduates in 2038, they will be entering a world that is highly globalized and rapidly evolving. The traditional school system was designed to prepare students for industrial work. We need to prepare students for the future — not the past. That’s the purpose of Vision 2031, a vision of innovation to reimagine the traditional school system from the ground up.
VISION
Hopkins Core Values:
• Authentically Inclusive
• Intentionally Adventurous
• Optimistic Innovation
• Humility of Heart
• Vigilant Equity
• Love
Class of 2038
Traits of a Hopkins Graduate
Our Traits of a Hopkins Graduate, crafted in collaboration with our community and staff, are designed to empower and prepare students for a future full of promise and opportunity.
These graduate traits align with our vision for success, emphasizing critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, empathy, adaptability, and various literacies, ensuring our students are well-equipped for a rapidly evolving workforce. These traits also inspire our students to be change-makers in the world.
Continuing your child’s journey as a Hopkins Royal
At Hopkins, you’ll find a rigorous academic curriculum and an inclusive school community that enables every student to learn through trial and error, instilling confidence and creating opportunities for innovative thinking to emerge. When your child graduates, they will have key traits that we believe will set them apart from their peers and set them up for success in a rapidly evolving world.
The Hopkins Promise
Hopkins promises an educational experience for students ages 0-21 that prepares them to succeed in our increasingly complex, rapidly changing world. Our students are recognized as global scholars who work collaboratively, disrupt the status quo, and solve some of the world’s most complex problems. They are the best and brightest citizens of tomorrow. Together, we are creating a better world by inspiring each student to reach their full potential.
6,970+
(Gatewood and Eisenhower)
1,600+
Nov. 21, 5:30-7 p.m. at Hopkins High School Register online via QR Code
Enroll beginning Nov. 21
All incoming kindergartners must submit a K-12 student enrollment form, including Hopkins School District residents and Hopkins preschoolers.
Application Deadline: Jan. 15, 2025
• Chinese and Spanish Language Immersion Students
• Open Enrolling Students
• In-District Transfer Students
• K-12 VirtualEDU Students
Visit HopkinsSchools.org/enroll or email Enrollment@HopkinsSchools.org to connect with the Hopkins enrollment team.
952-988-4110
Transportation Services 952-988-4115
Student Nutrition Services
952-988-4060
Special Education Services
VirtualEDU K-12 Online & Blended Learning
952-988-4050
Early Childhood Screening Appointments
952-988-5017, required for kindergarten
Early Childhood Programs & Preschools 952-988-5000
Kids & Company School-Age Care 952-988-4080
Get Language Support
Hopkins Public Schools partners with Weaving Cultures for translation services. Need to arrange for an interpreter, please contact Patty Ryman at Patricia.Ryman@hopkinsschools.org or call 952-988-4000.
